OXFORD United are giving local businesses the chance to have their name splashed on the front of the team’s shirts next season, thanks to a special competition.

Firms, organisations such as charities and even individuals can pay £1,000 to enter the initiative to win the top prize worth more than £100,000.

Runners-up will also receive lucrative rewards, including sponsorship of the team’s away shirts and advertising opportunities around the ground.

And officials claim all entrants will automatically receive benefits worth at least the full value of their investment in the draw.

Club chairman Ian Lenagan said: “This type of draw provides a fantastic opportunity for local companies, or larger companies that have offices in Oxfordshire, to support the county’s only professional football club.

“For the ticket price they will receive some great corporate hospitality and advertising at the stadium as well as the opportunity to win an unbelievable prize and see their name emblazoned across the front of our home or away shirts next season.”

The second prize offers sponsorship of the away shirt, the third prize is a private executive box for 10 people for the 2013/14 season worth more than £12,000, and the fourth prize is a pitch perimeter advertising board.

Every entrant will receive a £700 hospitality package for 10 people, entry into the club’s Yellow Pages business directory for the season, and poster advertising – a package worth more than £1,000.

The competition was suggested by U’s commercial manager David Jackson after existing shirt sponsor, Witney-based Bridle Insurance, came to the end of its three-year deal.

Bridle is looking to concentrate on its support for Blue Square Bet South League side, Eastleigh, which it bought in 2011.

Bristol Rovers has just completed a similar competition won by engine components firm Eurocams.

Mr Jackson explained that the minimum sum required was £100,000, meaning 100 donations have to be made, although businesses can enter more than once.

If that was not achieved, then the away shirt sponsorship would become the top prize as long as there were 50 entries.

Mr Jackson said: “The great thing is that everyone that enters will get the equivalent of their money back, regardless of whether they win or not. There is no gamble.”

A special launch event was held at the Kassam Stadium attended by key figures from the business community as well as existing sponsors and partners, after which 15 businesses entered.

Mr Jackson added the competition gave even the smallest businesses the chance to become a major club sponsor at a fraction of the normal price.

He said: “It could even be an individual who wants to see their name on the shirt.”

The draw will take place at a special event at the Kassam Stadium on May 29.

Anyone interested in entering should call 01865 337500, email davidjackson@oufc.co.uk or see the website oufc.co.uk. The closing date is May 27 at 6pm